Statement from Gov. Nikki Haley on roll call voting

March 31st

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Nikki Haley today released the following statement after the South Carolina House of Representatives voted to accept the Senate amendment to H. 3004 - a bill to make on-the-record voting in the General Assembly permanent law.

Gov. Haley said: “This is a huge win for the people of South Carolina who forever after will know how their legislators vote. I appreciate the House - in particular my friend Nathan Ballentine - and the Senate for passing this bill. But most of all I appreciate the people of this great state who stood with me and demanded accountability from their government these last three years. Now, by force of law, the people will have it.”

Gov. Nikki Haley’s Weekly Schedule: March 28, 2011

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Nikki Haley’s schedule for the week includes the following public events:

Gov. Haley to hold Cabinet meeting on Monday

March 25th

Gov. Haley to hold “Open Door after 4” meetings on Monday

March 24

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Nikki Haley today announced that she will hold “Open Door after 4” constituent meetings on Monday, March 28, at the Office of the Governor in the Statehouse. In keeping with a tradition begun by Gov. Mark Sanford, South Carolinians will have the opportunity to schedule a ten minute one-on-one meeting with Gov. Haley to discuss any issue they would like to talk about.

Anyone wishing to schedule an “Open Door after 4” appointment with Gov. Haley should call (803) 734-1999 between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on Friday, March 25. Appointments are first-come, first-served. For more information, call (803) 734-2100.

S.C. Senate moves to put legislative votes on the record

March 17th

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Nikki Haley today issued the following statement after South Carolina Senate passage of H. 3004 to put legislative votes on the record:

“This is an exciting day for South Carolina. We have long said rules protect legislators; laws protect the people. Senate passage of this bill was a huge step forward to change the face of how we conduct business in our state in the eyes of the country. By passing this bill, the House and Senate clarify that we believe the people, not elected officials, are in charge. I want to personally thank Sen. Harvey Peeler, Sen. Larry Martin, and the Senators who supported this bill for their courage, fight and humility.”

Gov. Haley targets waste and fraud with creation of State Inspector General

March 11th

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Nikki Haley today created by executive order the position of State Inspector General and named George Schroeder as the first appointment to this position. The State Inspector General will be charged with detecting, exposing and deterring fraud, waste, mismanagement, and abuse in programs and operations of executive agencies.

Gov. Haley’s executive order is available here, and video of Gov. Haley’s press conference is available here.

As Inspector General, Schroeder will also report to agency heads and to the governor on any problems and deficiencies he identifies in executive agencies' programs and operations.

Schroeder has extensive experience identifying waste in state government. During Governor Haley’s transition, Schroeder chaired the Fiscal Crisis Task Force, a group of leaders with experience dealing with budget issues, that assisted with identifying the most pressing fiscal challenges facing the state.

Schroeder was Director of the South Carolina General Assembly's Legislative Audit Council for 33 years before his retirement in February 2009. Prior to his service with the LAC, he was Director of the Joint Program Review and Investigations Committee of the Connecticut General Assembly, Legislative Assistant to the Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives and served as an Intelligence Officer with the United States Army. Mr. Schroeder recently was the recipient of the National Legislative Program Evaluation Society's 2010 Outstanding Life Achievement Award presented at the National Conference of State Legislature's Annual Meeting.

March 9

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Nikki Haley today released the following statement after President Barack Obama asked for an expedited review of Judge Vinson’s order declaring ObamaCare unconstitutional:

“A week ago at the White House, I asked President Obama to join me and 28 other governors in our request to expedite the appeal process on Judge Vinson’s ruling that deemed ObamaCare unconstitutional. Not only do we agree that this law is unconstitutional, it is a law that South Carolina does not want and cannot afford. Today, the President has agreed to expedite the process, and I want to thank him for realizing the need and urgency to have this resolved so our states and country can move forward.”

According to news reports: “The Obama administration has asked the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to expedite consideration of the health care reform law.”

Gov. Haley releases legislative report card

March 3, 2010

COLUMBIA, S.C. –

To the People of South Carolina,

As I promised during my campaign, and again during my first days in office, I will be releasing a legislative report card at the end of session. Also as promised, I am releasing the attached draft template to you and your legislators early so that everyone has full knowledge of what I will report. I intend for the report card to be a public document, and I hope that this tool will help me and your legislators, as elected officials, make better decisions on your behalf.

The purpose of the report card is to track the results of legislation that are important to what you elected me to accomplish. And believe me, your voice is loud and clear: you want more transparency, more accountability, more efficiency, and you want it done with less of your money.

This is not personal. This is not partisan. This is good government.

Because legislation may be introduced and amended at varying times, the attached draft template only includes legislative proposals – rather than specifically identified bills. Accordingly, I plan to add or alter the items on the report card throughout the legislative session. But, let me be clear: I will give your legislators prior notice about where I stand on legislation, as I have done throughout the year thus far, so that they will know what could be included in the report card before votes are cast.

I understand that it is difficult for all 168 members of the General Assembly and I to agree, but certainly we can be united in recognizing that we do the people’s work and it’s to the people that we have to answer. My hope is that you find the report card useful in helping exercise the power of your voice and instructive when you go the polls to elect your chosen leaders.

Gov. Haley applauds House’s common sense, good government reforms

March 2nd

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Nikki Haley issued the following statement after the South Carolina House of Representatives voted to allow the people of our state to decide whether the governor and lieutenant governor should run on the same ticket (H. 3152) and whether the governor should have the power to appoint a superintendent of education (H. 3070):

“Today, we earned big wins for the people of our state, and we couldn’t be more excited. I want to thank the House – especially Chairman Harrison and State Rep. Tom Young – for leading on these critically important issues.

“We have long said that the governor and lieutenant governor should run on the same ticket. It’s common sense. The two leaders at the top of the executive branch should share an agenda and show the state what can be accomplished when they work as a team. The first step toward making this happen is letting the people of this state choose what that team looks like.

“As we’ve said before, our teachers, our parents and, most of all, our students deserve opportunity that is second to none in education. A huge step toward improving education is allowing the state superintendent and governor to work as partners in priorities.”

Gov. Haley praises House for passing restructuring act

March 2nd

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Today, Governor Nikki Haley issued the following statement after the South Carolina House of Representatives passed H. 3066:

“This is an amazing win for the people of South Carolina. We would like to thank members of the House – in particular Chairman Harrison, State Rep. Garry Smith and State Rep. James Smith – for having the courage and vision to step up to make state government more accountable to the people it serves through a Department of Administration that’s smart and efficient. We’re very proud today.”

Boysen USA Announces Expansion in Cherokee County

March 2nd

COLUMBIA, S.C. – March 2, 2011 – Governor Nikki Haley, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and Cherokee County today announced that Boysen USA, a maker of exhaust systems, will expand its existing operations in Cherokee County. The $6 million investment is expected to generate 15 new jobs.

“This expansion is an important step for our company, and will provide us with plenty of room to grow so that we can better meet demand for our products. Cherokee County has provided us with an excellent business environment in which to operate and a top-notch workforce. We are excited to have the opportunity to grow in South Carolina and look forward to doing business here for years to come,” said Thomas Peahuff, plant manager for Boysen USA.

Boysen USA will expand its motor vehicle exhaust systems manufacturing operations in Gaffney, located at 139 Corporate Drive. The company is adding 40,000 square feet to its facility in order to expand capacity.

“When we visited Cherokee County last week, we talked about the importance of working hard to make our state the most business friendly and competitive in the country,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “We’re thrilled that Boysen will make a $6 million investment in Cherokee County because it’s proof that, when companies see our commitment to reducing the tax and regulatory burden and our fight to preserve our right-to-work status, great things happen that mean jobs for our state.”

“The automotive sector continues to thrive in South Carolina. Boysen USA is the latest automotive company to choose to increase its presence in our state, and serves as an indication that South Carolina offers a business environment that fosters growth. We appreciate Boysen USA’s decision to continue doing business in the Palmetto State,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.

“The expansion by Boysen USA indicates that the automotive sector is rebounding and that those within the industry realize that South Carolina is the place to be. We welcome more announcements like this and thank Boysen for their faith in the business climate our market has to offer,” said state Senator Harvey Peeler.

“We warmly welcome the expansion news from Boysen USA,” said state Rep. Dennis Moss. “The company’s decision to grow here reinforces not only Cherokee County’s competitiveness, but also South Carolina’s ability to foster strong, quality businesses.”

“Boysen USA continues to show its commitment to Cherokee County,” said Cherokee County Council Chairman Tim Spencer. “The new jobs and expansion being announced today is a testament to the skilled workforce and vibrant business climate of Cherokee County that continues to cultivate growth and expansion.”

The company intends to begin hiring for the positions this month. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact Jason DeKoster at Aerotek Commercial Staffing at 864-607-9050.

Boysen USA is a subsidiary of Germany-based Boysen Group. The company develops and manufactures exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, particulate traps, silencers and complete exhaust systems for passenger cars. The company’s main customers include the German car makers Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and VW, as well as the British marques Bentley and Rolls-Royce. For more information, please visit www.boysen-online.de.